Molybdomenite is a rare lead selenite mineral typically found as a secondary mineral in oxidized selenium-rich ore deposits. It is known for forming delicate, pearly-lustered platy or tabular crystals that are often difficult for collectors to acquire.
Is this molybdomenite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch molybdomenite with a known reference. Molybdomenite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Molybdomenite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Molybdomenite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellowish-white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Molybdomenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside molybdomenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with molybdomenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbSeO₃
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 6.08 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Sedimentary or Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find molybdomenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sierra de Cacheuta, Argentina
- Trogtal, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in sedimentary or volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where molybdomenite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, umangite, berzelianite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify molybdomenite?+
Where is molybdomenite found?+
How much is molybdomenite worth?+
Is molybdomenite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like molybdomenite?+
What minerals are found with molybdomenite?+
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Find molybdomenite on the map
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